Are these the best UK shares to watch in April 2026?
A selection of some of the best dividend, growth and value UK stocks to watch this month. These companies have been selected for recent market news.
In focus for April
March has been dominated by the escalation of the Iran conflict, which has driven sharp moves across global markets. Oil prices have surged back above $100, inflation expectations have picked up and hopes for near-term rate cuts have been pushed back.
UK equities have remained relatively resilient but volatility has increased. The FTSE 100 has seen sharp swings as investors respond to higher energy prices, shifting rate expectations and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.
The key theme now is a renewed focus on inflation risk and energy supply disruption. That backdrop has favoured defensives and cash-generative businesses, while more cyclical sectors have faced pressure.
Best UK shares to watch
With that in mind, here are five FTSE 100 companies that stand out this month across dividend, growth and value themes.
Always do your own research. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.
Selected stocks:
Top dividend stocks
Shell (LON: SHEL)
Shell remains one of the FTSE 100’s core income names, supported by strong cash flow and exposure to global energy markets.
Recent geopolitical tensions have reinforced the importance of its LNG and trading businesses, while capital discipline continues to underpin shareholder returns through dividends and buybacks.
Shell weekly candlestick chart
Unilever (LON: ULVR)
Unilever offers a more defensive income stream, supported by its global portfolio of consumer brands and relatively stable demand.
In an environment of rising costs and economic uncertainty, its pricing power and margin resilience remain key attractions for income-focused investors.
Dividend yield: 3.8%
Dividend cover ratio: 1.3
PE ratio: 20
Unilever weekly candlestick chart
Top growth stocks
Rolls-Royce (LON: RR)
Rolls-Royce continues to benefit from a strong turnaround, driven by improved margins and a recovery in civil aerospace demand.
Long-term service agreements provide visibility on earnings, while defence and power systems add further growth drivers.
Dividend yield: 0.8%
Dividend cover ratio: 7.3
PE ratio: 16
Rolls-Royce weekly candlestick chart
RELX (LON: REL)
RELX delivers steady growth through its analytics and information services, supported by recurring subscription revenues and strong margins.
Demand for data-driven decision tools across legal, scientific and risk markets underpins its long-term growth profile.
Dividend yield: 2.74%
Dividend cover ratio: 1.6
PE ratio: 22
RELX weekly candlestick chart
Top value stocks
BT Group (LON: BT.A)
BT Group represents a value opportunity within the FTSE 100, with the investment case centred on its ongoing turnaround.
This includes cost savings, network investment and fibre rollout, alongside a focus on improving cash flow and shareholder returns. While challenges remain, the group is working to simplify operations and strengthen its long-term position.
BT Group weekly candlestick chart
How to invest or trade in UK shares with us
- Learn more about UK equities
- Decide whether you want to trade or invest
- Open an account with us or practise on a demo
- Search for your chosen shares on our web platform or app
- Place your investment or trade
Investors typically focus on long-term returns and dividends, while traders may look to benefit from shorter-term price movements using derivatives such as CFDs or spread bets.
Before investing, consider your objectives, risk tolerance and time horizon.
Top shares to watch summed up
March 2026 has highlighted how quickly the market backdrop can shift, with geopolitical risk and inflation once again driving asset prices.
Shell and Unilever provide income and resilience, Rolls-Royce and RELX offer structural growth exposure, while BT Group represents a value opportunity tied to a longer-term turnaround story.
This information has been prepared by IG, a trading name of IG Markets Limited. In addition to the disclaimer below, the material on this page does not contain a record of our trading prices, or an offer of, or solicitation for, a transaction in any financial instrument. IG accepts no responsibility for any use that may be made of these comments and for any consequences that result. No representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. Consequently any person acting on it does so entirely at their own risk. Any research provided does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and needs of any specific person who may receive it. It has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication. Although we are not specifically constrained from dealing ahead of our recommendations we do not seek to take advantage of them before they are provided to our clients. See full non-independent research disclaimer and quarterly summary.
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